Fluid cleaning and cooling apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method for cleaning and cooling a fluid, such as ambient air, wherein a tank adapted to contain a coolant, such as water or the like, is provided with an air inlet conduit and an air discharge conduit, whereby air to be cleaned and cooled is directed into the tank through a portion of the coolant, and then outwardly of the tank. During the time the fluid passes through the tank, it is cleaned and cooled and, if the fluid is solventladen air, the solvent is separated from the air and thereafter recooled so that it can be used again. A coolant spray is utilized to clean and cool the fluid still further as it passes out of the tank through the discharge conduit.

[ 1 May 9,1972

[54] FLUID CLEANING AND COOLING APPARATUS AND METHOD Cletus W. Shinkle, 600 Lewis Road, Santa Rosa, Calif. 95404 [22] Filed: Mar. 1,1971

[21] Appl.No.: 120,038

[72] lnventor:

Related 0.8. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 734,772, June 5, 1968, abandoned.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 852,543 5/1907 Deckebach ..261/140 X 1,079,849 1 H1913 Ernst ..55/223 1,261,106 4/1918 Crisfield ..261/121 1,594,324 7/1926 Payne ..261/121 X 2,180,849 11/1939 Printz... .....55/228 X I 2,954,095 9/1960 Brock ..55/255 3,142,548 7/1964 Krantz ....261/1l8 3,192,689 7/1965 Smith ..55/229 3,336,733 8/1967 Wisting ..261/89 Primary Examiner-Tim R. Miles Assistant Examiner-Steven H. Markowitz Attorney-Townsend and Townsend [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus and method for cleaning and cooling a fluid. such as ambient air-,wherein a tank adapted to contain a coolant. such as water or the like, is provided with an air inlet conduit and an air discharge conduit, whereby air to be cleaned and cooled is directed into the tank through a portion of the coolant, and then outwardly of the tank. During the time the fluid passes through the tank, it is cleaned and cooled and, if the fluid is solvent-laden air, the solvent is separated from the air and thereafter recooled so that it can be used again. A coolant spray is utilized to clean and cool the fluid still further as it passes out of the tank through the discharge conduit.

12 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure l I 1 l l PATENTEDMAY 91972 3, 661 ,366

INVENTOR. CLETUS W. SHINKLE ATTORNEYS FLUID CLEANING AND COOLING APPARATUS AND METHOD This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 734,772 filed 6-5-68, and now abandoned.

This invention relates to improvements in the cooling and purifying of fluids and, more particularly, to apparatus for cleaning and cooling a fluid, such as ambient air.

While the present invention can be used in a number of different applications for conditioning air or other fluids, it is especially adapted for use in cleaning establishments or similar businesses for cleaning and cooling the ambient air as well as for recovering solvent or other vapors carried inthe air in a gaseous state. In cleaning establishments, large volumes of solvent, such as perchlorethylene or the like are used in garment cleaning machines. Such solvents have a relatively high vapor pressure and they vaporize quite readily into the air, so that the air becomes laden with solvent. Such solvent-laden air presents a noxious atmosphere which can cause severe respiratory ailments if the exposure times are relatively long in duration. To minimize this problem blowers are used to exhaust the air to the atmosphere outside the establishment but this process oftentimes is not efficient, especially if large volumes of air have to be moved. Also, when air is exhausted to the atmosphere, the solvent in the air is lost and cannot be recovered.

Another problem in cleaning establishments is that garment dryers generate considerable heat and thereby heat the air in the working areas near the machines. Also, the air becomes laden with lint and dust due to the air currents generated by the operation of the machines. This dirt and lint-laden air is undesirable because it can soil garments which have already been cleaned or are being cleaned. Thissituation is not conducive to an efficient operation of a cleaning establishment.

The present invention is directed to apparatusespecially suitable for use in garment cleaning establishments for conditioning ambient air in a manner to eliminate the problems set forth above and to provide a working atmosphere which is free of noxious vapors so as to provide a more healthful working environment. The apparatus of this invention conditions the air by cleaning and cooling the same and :then by discharging the cleaned and cooled air back into the areas from whence the air was drawn. The apparatus of the invention also serves to separate solvent from solvent-laden air and to recover such solvent for reuse. Thus, solvent costs are significantly reduced.

The various components of the apparatus cooperate to achieve the aforesaid aims by causing air to be cleaned and cooled to be passed into a tank and through a coolant in the tank. This action not onlycools the air but it also separates foreign matter, such as lint, dirt and solvent therefrom. The air is then drawn out of the tank in a cleaned and cooled condition while the foreign matter gravitates to the bottom of the tank from whence it can be removed from the tank at periodic intervals.

The primary object of this invention is, therefore, to provide apparatus for cleaning and cooling a fluid, such as air or the like, as well as for separating the fluid from a second fluid, such as cleaning solvent in the gaseous state, so that the apparatus is suitable for use in a garment cleaning establishment for cleaning and cooling the air in the various working areas of the establishment as well as for recovering solvent from the air caused by the use of garment cleaning machines.

Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus of the type described wherein air to be cleaned and cooled and to be separated from a vapor, such as solvent, or the like, is directed into and through a coolant and then removed therefrom for passage back to the areas from whence the air originated, whereby the coolant cleans and cools the air as well as separates the vapor therefrom.

A further object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the type described, wherein a tank containing cooled water has conduit means disposed to direct air into the tank, through the water therein, and thereafter out of the tank to a distribution location so-that the air is cleaned and cooled and is 75 separated from solvent or other vapors carried by the air to permit recovery of the solvent as well as to redirect the air to working areas remote from the apparatus.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent as the 5 following specification progresses, reference being had to the accompanying drawing showing the single FIGURE which illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus.

The apparatus of this invention is broadly denoted by the numeral 10 and includes tank 12 having a side wall 14, a bottom 16 and an open top 18. A cover 20 is removably secured to tank 12 in covering relationship to the open top 18 thereof such as by screw fasteners 22 connected to flange means on the upper end of side wall 14. Tank 12 is adapted to contain a coolant, such as water, to a predetermined level denoted by the numeral 24. The coolant is directed into the tank through a pipe 26 and the coolant flow is controlled by a float valve 28 operated by a float 30 in the water. A sight gauge 32 may be provided on side wall 14 to indicate the level of the water in 20 the tank.-

The tank has a cooling coil 34 therewithin which forms a part of a refrigeration unit 36, the major portion of unit 36 being exteriorly of the tank. Refrigeration unit 36 can be constructed in any manner but generally it will have a compressor 25 which can be located indoors or outdoors. Also, unit 36 can be 5 conduit 38 which extends through the cover and is T-shaped above the cover to provide first and second conduit sections 40 and 42 which direct air discharged from the tank to at least a pair of locations remote from each other and from tank 12. Each of the conduit sections has a blower or fan 44 for draw- 40 ing air by suctiontherethrough. A filter 46 may be removably disposed within either one or both of conduit sections 40 and .42 to filter the air passing therethrough.

Conduit section 38 preferably extends below water level 24 and has a filter 48 below the water level and across the opening thereof. This filter cleans air passing upwardly in the water and into conduit 38.

A spray head 50 coupled to a pipe 52 is disposed within conduit 38 for spraying water downwardly and onto the air as it passesupwardly through conduit 38 toward conduit sections 5040 and 42. Pipe 52 is connected to the outlet of a pump 54 whose inlet is connected to a filter 56 and an inlet pipe 58 extending through wall 14 and into fluid communication with the water in tank 12. Operation of pump 54 causes water to be directed to spray head 50 and out of the latter into heat exchange relationship to the air rising in conduit 38. The air is thus cleaned as well as cooled since there is cooling by evaporation. Also, the water spray strips dirt or other foreign particles from the air. Pipe 52 has a pair of lateral pipe sec- 6 tions 60 and 62, each of which is controlled by a valve 64,

whereby cooled water can be directed to other locations under the control of pump 54. A valve 66 controls the water flow through pipe 52.

Top 20 has another opening for receiving an inlet 68 connected to the outlet of a blower 70 whose inlet is connected to a tube 72 having an inlet 74 adjacent to the floor or supporting surface 76, on which tank 12 is disposed. The location of tube 72 allows vapor-laden air close to the floor to be drawn into the tank under the influence of blower 70 and into the space 70 78 above the water level 24. Such air eventually passes into the water, through filter 48 and upwardly in conduit 38. The air is cooled and cleaned by the water and is separated from the solvent which liquefies and gravitates to bottom 16 since solvent is more dense than water. The water spray issuing from spray head 50 also cleans and cools the air.

A second inlet conduit 80 extends into tank 12 through cover 20 and is adjustably connected to the latter by releasable fastening means 82 carried by the cover. The length of conduit 80 is generally sufficient to permit it to extend into the water and below level 24, as shown. Conduit 80 can be adjusted so it is above or below water level as desired.

Conduit 80 has a fluid inlet (not shown) which is adjacent to a location at which the ambient air to be cleaned and cooled is heavily laden with solvent, lint and dirt, such as around a garment cleaning machine. Such air is drawn into tank 12 through conduit 80 by means of a blower or the like (not shown) so that the air is forced into the water not only to clean and cool the air but to separate the solvent, lint and dirt therefrom. The solvent is shown as small circles denoted by the numeral 84 extending downwardly from the outlet end of conduit 80 within tank 12. The cleaned and cooled air passes through filter 48 and into conduit 38, then out of tank 12 under the action of one or both fans 44.

A pipe 85 communicates with pipe 52 and is connected to a cooling coil 87 within conduit 80 so that cooled water passing through coil 87 will precool the solvent-laden air to cause condensation of the solvent. The solvent can then gravitate in droplets into the water in tank 12. Coil 87 has an open end which allows the water passing therethrough to return to tank 12. Valves 89 and 91 permit control of water flow through pipes 52 and 85.

A settling tank 86 is provided to recover solvent from tank 12. This is done by connecting a pipe 88 having a control valve 90 therein to a drain opening in bottom 16 to allow drainage of solvent from tank 12 into tank 86. A filter 92 forms a part of tank 86 for filtering dirt, lint or other foreign matter from the solvent as it passes into tank 86. An outlet pipe 94 having a control valve 96 is used to remove solvent from tank 86 after the solvent has settled in this tank. The solvent removed from tank 86 is then directed to a solvent supply tank for re-use in garment cleaning machines.

Bottom 16 has another drain opening and a drainage pipe 98 provided with a control valve 100 by means of which water, dirt and lint can be periodically drained from the tank for cleaning purposes. The water carries with it the dirt, lint and other foreign matter previously separated from the incoming air and disposed on the bottom of tank 12.

OPERATION For purposes of illustration only, apparatus is assumed to be utilized in a cleaning establishment for cleaning and cooling the ambient air therein and for recovering solvent for reuse in garment cleaning machines. Tank 12 is placed on the floor 76 in any suitable location and conduit sections 40 and 42 are directed to the locations in the establishment at which cleaned, cooled air is to be directed. The tank will initially be filled with water to a predetermined level such as to a level approximately 12 inches below cover 24. This water level will be controlled by float valve 28. The water will be cooled by refrigeration unit 36 and drain valves 90 and 100 will be closed during normal operation of apparatus 10.

Assuming that blower 70 and the blower connected with conduit 80 are in operation, air is directed into tank 12 from two different locations in the establishment. Pump 54 will normally be in operation whereby water from tank 12 is sprayed downwardly in conduit 38. This spray also operates to circulate the water in tank 12 to maintain the water temperature substantially uniform.

As the air enters the tank through conduit 68, it fills space 78 above the water level and finally passes into the water toward filter 48. This air is removed from the tank and into conduit 38 by the action of one or both fans 44. Filter 48 cleans this air and the cooled water cools the air and separates solvent therefrom, thus causing the solvent to gravitate to bottom 16 since the solvent is more dense than water.

Air entering conduit 80 is urged directly into the water and the separation of solvent from the air occurs in the manner described above. The air moves from the lower end of conduit 80, toward and into filter 48, then into conduit 38 and out of the tank.

The operation of apparatus 10 continues so long as it is deemed necessary to clean and cool the air. This generally may be for an entire working day or only during peak working periods when garment cleaning machines are extensively used.

When it is desired to recover the solvent from tank 12, valve is opened to admit the solvent into tank 86. If the solvent carries with it dirt, lint or other foreign matter, such dirt and lint are filtered by filter 92. Valve 90 is then closed. After the solvent has settled in tank 86, valve 96 is opened and the solvent can be pumped or otherwise directed to a solvent supply tank for re-use. If desired, additional filtering of the solvent can be done between settling tank 86 and the solvent supply tank.

To clean tank 12, valve is opened and water is discharged therefrom through pipe 98, the water carrying dirt, lint and other foreign matter with it. This cleaning action can be done at specific intervals, depending upon the need for cleaning the tank. After a sufficient time, valve 100 is closed and the tank is filled by water flowing through pipe 26 and controlled by valve 28.

The present invention can be used for cleaning and cooling fluids other than air and can also be used for separating substances other than cleaning solvent from the air. For instance, oil vapor can be separated from ambient air by the action of the air passing through the water in the tank. The oil, being lighter than water, will float to the top and can be removed from the tank in any suitable manner. Any foreign matter or substance which is not soluble in water can be separated from the incoming air.

The water in the tank can be provided with special ingredients to achieve a desired end. For instance, the water can be provided with a deodorizing agent which is soluble in the water and which combines with the air passing therethrough whereby the agent is distributed into the atmosphere with the cleaned and cooled air.

To permit different substances, such as deodorizing agents to be put into the water, an opening 102 can be provided in cover 20. This opening will be closed by a removable cap 104.

When additional equipment requires cooling water from tank 12, one or both of the pipes 60 and 62 can be used to supply the water, such supply being controlled by valves 64. The water return (not shown) from the equipment coupled to these pipes can be connected to the tank to conserve water.

The present invention provides apparatus for accomplishing the following purposes: the removal of non-water soluble fluids from the air, cooling the air, providing a source of cooled water, and permitting chemicals and other additives to be put into the water in the tank for deodorizing or other purposes. The apparatus can also be placed outside of a building for the purpose of picking up gases and fumes, thus reducing the problems of air pollution.

Coil 87 provides a precooling effect for the inlet air to condense the solvent in the air, whereby the solvent is more effectively recovered for re-use. Water flows through the coil and back into tank 12 and valves 89 and 91 can be used to provide the necessary control of the cooled water. Provision can be made to adjust the height of conduit 80 even though coil 87 is disposed therein.

While one embodiment of this invention has been shown and described, it will become apparent that other adaptations and modifications can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

1 claim:

1. Apparatus for recovering solvent from solvent-laden air in a region having a floor comprising: a closed tank adapted to contain a coolant; an air discharge conduit coupled to the tank and extending outwardly therefrom, said conduit adapted to direct air outwardly of the tank after the air has been directed thereinto; means including an air inlet pipe coupled to the tank for directing said fluid into the tank, at least a portion of the fluid path between said inlet pipe and said discharge conduit being below the level of the coolant in said tank, said inlet pipe having an open inlet end adapted to be disposed in said region in proximity to said floor thereof; means in said tank for cooling the coolant therein; a spray head within said discharge conduit; and means connected with the tank for directing coolant therefrom into the spray head, whereby a coolant spray will be directed into the air passing through the conduit.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is provided a drain opening at the bottom of the closed tank for passing'condensed solvent therefrom, a settling tank, means placing the settling tank in fluid communication with said drain opening, a filter in said settling tank across the path of solvent flow therein, and valve means for controlling the flow of said solvent from the closed tank to the settling tank.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is included a second fluid inlet pipe extending into the tank, said second pipe having a fluid cooling device therein.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said device includes a tubular coil, and means connected to one end of the coil for directing coolant from said tank thereto, the opposite end of the coil being open and communicating with said tank.

5. Apparatus for cooling and purifying air comprising: a tank adapted to be mounted above a floor and to contain a quantity of water having a predetermined level therewithin; an air discharge conduit coupled to the tank and projecting outwardly therefrom for directing air out of the tank; means within the conduit for spraying water onto the air as it passes through the conduit; means coupled with said spray means for supplying water thereto from the tank; means within the tank for cooling the water contained therein; means including an air inlet conduit for directing air to be cooled and purified into the tank, one of said conduits being below the water level in the tank, whereby the incoming air will pass into the water and be cooled and purified thereby, said inlet conduit being provided with an open inlet and having a length sufficient to permit said open inlet end to be disposed in proximity to said floor when said tank is mounted above the floor, whereby air near said floor will be directed into the tank; and means in said discharge conduit for drawing the air therethrough and outwardly of the tank.

6. Apparatus for conditioning solvent-laden air comprising: a closed tank adapted to contain a quantity of water; an air discharge conduit communicating with and projecting outwardly from said tank; means in said discharge conduit for creating a flow of air therethrough in a direction away from the tank; means within the conduit for directing a spray of water onto the air as it flows in said direction, said spray means being in fluid communication with the water in said tank, whereby the latter serves as a water source for said spray means; means coupled with the tank for cooling the water therewithin; means including an air inlet conduit for directing solvent-laden air into the tank, said inlet conduit extending into the tank, one of the conduits extending below the water level in the tank, whereby air entering the tank will pass into and through a portion of the water in the tank before it flows outwardly therefrom through said discharge conduit; a settling tank adjacent to the bottom of the first-mentioned tank for recovering solvent therefrom; means controllably placing said settling tank in fluid communication with the first tank; and a filter in said settling tank in a position to filter the solvent entering the same, said settling tank having means for removing the filtered solvent therein.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said inlet conduit has an open inlet end adapted to be disposed adjacent to the floor of a closed space having said solvent-laden air therein.

8. A method of recovering solvent from solvent-laden air in a first space having a floor comprising: drawing air near the floor of said first space into a second space; cooling the air in the second space to cause condensation of the solvent in the solvent-laden air; collecting the condensed solvent in one portion of the second space; cooling the air from which solvent has been separated; and directing the air out of the second space and into the first space.

9. A method as set forth in claim 8, wherein is included the step of spraying water onto the air as it leaves the second space to clean the water.

10. A method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the step of cooling the air includes providing a coolant in the second space, and moving the air through a portion of the coolant before it moves out of the second space.

11. A method as set forth in claim 8, wherein is included the step of drawing off the solvent from said one portion to a third space, and filtering the solvent as it moves to the third space.

12. A method as set forth in claim 8, wherein is included the step of cooling the solvent-laden air as it moves toward the second space, and filtering the air as it moves out of the second space. 

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is provided a drain opening at the bottom of the closed tank for passing condensed solvent therefrom, a settling tank, means placing the settling tank in fluid communication with said drain opening, a filter in said settling tank across the path of solvent flow therein, and valve means for controlling the flow of said solvent from the closed tank to the settling tank.
 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is included a second fluid inlet pipe extending into the tank, said second pipe having a fluid cooling device therein.
 4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said device includes a tubular coil, and means connected to one end of the coil for directing coolant from said tank thereto, the opposite end of the coil being open and communicating with said tank.
 5. Apparatus for cooling and purifying air comprising: a tank adapted to be mounted above a floor and to contain a quantity of water having a predetermined level therewithin; an air discharge conduit coupled to the tank and projecting outwardly therefrom for directing air out of the tank; means within the conduit for spraying water onto the air as it passes through the conduit; means coupled with said spray means for supplying water thereto from the tank; means withiN the tank for cooling the water contained therein; means including an air inlet conduit for directing air to be cooled and purified into the tank, one of said conduits being below the water level in the tank, whereby the incoming air will pass into the water and be cooled and purified thereby, said inlet conduit being provided with an open inlet and having a length sufficient to permit said open inlet end to be disposed in proximity to said floor when said tank is mounted above the floor, whereby air near said floor will be directed into the tank; and means in said discharge conduit for drawing the air therethrough and outwardly of the tank.
 6. Apparatus for conditioning solvent-laden air comprising: a closed tank adapted to contain a quantity of water; an air discharge conduit communicating with and projecting outwardly from said tank; means in said discharge conduit for creating a flow of air therethrough in a direction away from the tank; means within the conduit for directing a spray of water onto the air as it flows in said direction, said spray means being in fluid communication with the water in said tank, whereby the latter serves as a water source for said spray means; means coupled with the tank for cooling the water therewithin; means including an air inlet conduit for directing solvent-laden air into the tank, said inlet conduit extending into the tank, one of the conduits extending below the water level in the tank, whereby air entering the tank will pass into and through a portion of the water in the tank before it flows outwardly therefrom through said discharge conduit; a settling tank adjacent to the bottom of the first-mentioned tank for recovering solvent therefrom; means controllably placing said settling tank in fluid communication with the first tank; and a filter in said settling tank in a position to filter the solvent entering the same, said settling tank having means for removing the filtered solvent therein.
 7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said inlet conduit has an open inlet end adapted to be disposed adjacent to the floor of a closed space having said solvent-laden air therein.
 8. A method of recovering solvent from solvent-laden air in a first space having a floor comprising: drawing air near the floor of said first space into a second space; cooling the air in the second space to cause condensation of the solvent in the solvent-laden air; collecting the condensed solvent in one portion of the second space; cooling the air from which solvent has been separated; and directing the air out of the second space and into the first space.
 9. A method as set forth in claim 8, wherein is included the step of spraying water onto the air as it leaves the second space to clean the water.
 10. A method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the step of cooling the air includes providing a coolant in the second space, and moving the air through a portion of the coolant before it moves out of the second space.
 11. A method as set forth in claim 8, wherein is included the step of drawing off the solvent from said one portion to a third space, and filtering the solvent as it moves to the third space.
 12. A method as set forth in claim 8, wherein is included the step of cooling the solvent-laden air as it moves toward the second space, and filtering the air as it moves out of the second space. 